And James McJamesface wrote: “Frist the recipes and now bake off is going. It’s enough to push you to comfort eating.”

And Wayne Godrey quipped on Twitter: “This week on Great British Bake Off... poaching.”

The news broke after an email was sent to staff working on the show breaking the news. It read: “We are writing to let you all know that, with deep regret, after more than a year of exhaustive negotiations we have been unable to reach an agreement with the BBC for the renewal of The Great British Bake Off.

“We feel it is very important to let you all know as soon as possible because there has been a lot of inaccurate reporting in the media about the negotiations and we want you to be aware of the main facts.

“We are really saddened by this outcome because we always wanted to stay on the BBC. As recently as June we were convinced that was what would happen.

John Whaite, former winner of Great British Bake Off

“This has never been about who might write the biggest cheque, but about where we can find the best home for Bake Off. Unfortunately we were unable to agree either a fair valuation, and nor were the BBC able to provide the necessary comfort for the future protection of such a distinctive and much-loved television series.”

In a statement to the media, tLove Productions added: “After an extraordinary six-year journey with the BBC, Love Productions announces with regret that it has been unable to reach agreement on terms to renew the commission of The Great British Bake Off.

“We will now be focusing on finding a new partner to develop the familiar show that the British public turn to in their millions.